She will replace Pua Aiu, who resigned as SHPD’s administrator earlier this month amid criticism from the National Park Service.  

Aiu will continue working for the Department of Land and Natural Resources, which oversees SHPD. She has been assigned to DNLR chair William Alia’s office to work on special projects, including rail, according to department spokeswoman Deborah Ward. 

Thompson, who currently heads the Bureau of Conveyances, will juggle both posts, though her deputy, Leslie Kobata will take the lead for the bureau’s activities, according to a DLNR press release. 

Thompson has worked for the Bureau of Conveyances since 2008 and has 25 years of experience in real estate and state law and administration. 

Meanwhile, DLNR will continue its search for a final replacement. 

From DLNR: 

As part of the transition, a screening committee consisting of DLNR Chairperson William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR Deputy Director Esther Kiaaina, OHA Chief Executive Officer Kamanaopono Crabbe, and University of Hawaii anthropology and ethnic studies professor Ty Kawika Tengan has been established to review applications and interview candidates. Qualified applicants are invited to submit their resumes to the chairperson at William.J.Aila@hawaii.gov.   

“The State Historic Preservation Division is important to the preservation and protection of historic and cultural sites of Hawaii,” Aila said. “It also plays a significant role in the state’s economy. Addressing and balancing these complex issues is the job of the SHPD administrator and staff. Now that we have named an interim administrator, we are beginning the process to select a new administrator in the next three months.”